Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Madam President,

This standing committee has been interesting to chair. It covers such a variety of topics, relating to charity and social justice. Cudos to all those who have worked so hard on the trafficking of women and children issues.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to the peoples of Myanmar (Burma) and China after the recent tragedies. Support Development and Peace to help get aid to these people trying to stay alive. We’ve heard terrible stories of food and supplies on the tarmac with the Junta not allowing it to move. The latest news is that it is now being sent out. I watched Premier Campbell open the Canadian Pavilion at the Beijing Olympic site and heard him say the BC government was matching the donations that were given to China.Make Poverty History; Good news from Parliament just days ago. Bill C-293-The Better Aid Bill passed and became law. All political parties put aside their partisanship and worked together to pass this important legislation. Be sure to write letters to your MP congratulating them on this success This new Canadian legislation which will focus Canada’ s aid spending to make sure that Canadian aid is spent to 1; reduce poverty, 2- to respect human rights and 3. To take account of the things that people living in poverty really think is important. Accountability is said to be a top condition for the committee in charge.

Although the need to reduce poverty globally is a goal, we still need to reduce poverty at home. The Catholic Women’s League of Canada has kept this challenge of poverty among children uppermost in resolutions. In 1989 the goal was to eliminate poverty among Canadian children by the year 2000. Here we are 8 years later Every month over 770,000 people in Canada rely on food banks-40% of whom are children. Things are getting worse with the cost of living increasing daily. We can cite, high fuel prices fertilizers for crops, the creation of bio fuels that command higher prices for grain crops to make fuel rather than feed the people. There will be a summit of the Food and Agriculture Organization in June to deal with the food problem. More affordable housing is needed, I encourage you to give input to planning committees working on this issue in many communities, everyone has a right to a home.

Beverley Reid of Coming Home Films sent a report of the Uganda Library Project. The initial project of a new roof and windows and a heavy door was completed on February 9th. Beverley has promised that the project will continue with wiring the room, restoring and tiling the floor replacing an inner wall and painting. The 1000 children attending St. Theresa’s school are very excited about the new library. Beverley thanks her previous supporters and will accept donations for the completion of this project.

Pope Benedict urges us to remember Africa with our charitable donations, please donate through Development  and Peace. Thank you for allowing me to serve you through the League